Friendship bracelets are bracelets made by knotting together strands of colourful embroidery thread. Embroidery thread is sometimes known as embroidery floss so bear this in mind if buying your supplies from a sewing shop/store. If you want to create a thicker bracelet you just need to add more coloured threads or use a thicker thread such as yarn/wool.
Popular types of string used in friendship bracelets
There are several types of string used in arts and crafts. For friendship bracelets, most types work as long as the colours are right and the thread is not too thin, thick or weak.
Here are the most popular types:
Embroidery Thread
This is a type of thread that is manufactured or hand-spun specifically for embroidery and other forms of needlework. It is also very good for making bracelets! It is made out of cotton and is six stranded. It can be easily split which can be an advantage if you want to work with thinner material or a disadvantage if it frays too much. It usually comes in bundles of 8m in length. Embroidery thread is the material with the biggest variety of colours available and many manufacturers sell these.
Yarn
Yarn also known as wool is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres’, suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting,weaving, embroidery, rope making and friendship bracelet making. It comes in a variety of sizes and materials (cotton or synthetic fibres), so comparability isn’t always given and it’s best to stick to one manufacturer.
Cotton Thread
Also known as pearl cotton – Pearl Cotton is a material which is also a pretty common material for making bracelets. It’s made out if 100% cotton. It is twisted and therefore rather easy to handle. It is available in three different sizes, 3, 5 and 8, with 3 being the thickest and 8 the thinnest thread. 5 is about as thick as embroidery floss and can be easily combined with it. 3 is especially suited for projects like bags where a big size is of advantage, 8 can be used for more delicate projects.
Leather Cord
This is a favourite for bracelet making, due to its strength and durability. Depending on its uses, leather thread can come in many lengths on spools. It is common for bracelet making (using beads); friendship bracelets and necklaces. Leather cord, like any other type of threading, comes in assorted colours, the commonly used colours used is black and beige.
Hemp Cord
Natural Hemp Cord a.k.a ‘Hemp Twine’ is great for using in crafts, including jewellery making, scrap-booking, handmade cards, gardening and much much more! Hemp Cord is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to cotton synthetic cord and can make remarkable necklaces and bracelets. This type of cord is known to be hand crafted in China. It is available in 10lb (thin) and 20lb (thick) in assortments of neutral colours.